Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance

Uncommon

This is an inspirational book with a simple message. To be uncommon, believe in yourself becuase you are a child of God. Follow your dreams and be exactly what you want and can be. Aspire to soar with the love and support of those around you that wish you to succeed. As a teacher, I know the importance of encouragement and how self-esteem can raise you to uncommon heights.

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

A Touchdown for men of all ages

Tony has written a straightforward set of principles for what it means to be a man of integrity and a man of influence in the best unselfish sense of the word. In a time when too many men never quite grow up, he encourages us to mature to be men that can have a positive impact on our families, our communities, and our world. Although based on his Christian faith, the core principles he offers can be embraced by all walks. I have encouraged my friends to use this as a devotional reading a chapter that coincides with the day of the month. I challenge you to share it with your sons and nephews too. Thanks, Tony.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

+ being uncommon in a common world

tony dungy has put together a new and wonderful bestseller. showing how many people have made an impact in his life and how they have lead a great example and given him so many life lessons that have given him such great leadership abilities and how they have made an impact on his life. everyone always looks to find out about tony dungys faith and how he got along in a common world and had his priorities straight.this book truly shows how the people in his life can set your life straight.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Uncommon is just that!

After reading 'QUIET STRENGH', 'UNCOMMON' was a good book to share with my teenage granddaughter. The first she got for her graduation from high school and the second for her birthdy. Not only is Mr. Dungy an exceptional man but he is also an exceptional Christian, not afraid to share his life and experiences with the world. His writings have made a difference in my life, and I hope the youth he ministers to can say the same. I hope my grandaughter shares this with her male friends.
What a role model .

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This Couldn't Have Come At A Better Time

I am a person who likes to take big swings at life. Currently I am a student, I am working towards furthering my career, I work two jobs, and I am also a proud father and loving husband. A few months ago I started to find myself in a position that was not conducive to where I want to be and who I want to be there with. Although my intentions always seemed good, my priorities needed to be readjusted. As I read Tony's book, I began to realize things needed to change not only for the betterment of myself and my family, but for my overall happiness.

Inspired by what Tony says about life, character, family, work, and faith, I have since made some of those necessary adjustments and can say that my family life is as good as it has ever been, my education and career are progressing better than before, and I am happy and have a much more positive outlook on things.

I would recommend this book to anyone with great aspirations, as a gift to loved ones, or as a guide to those who, like me, felt like something was just a little bit off.

An easy read with a great message.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

It's a "WOW"

The book was very inspirational .

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very Good Book

This is an excellent book, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wanted solid advice on how to stand out from the crowd and pursue excellence.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

uncommon

Uncommon by Tony Dungy focuses mainly on finding your path to significance. Not by how much money you have or how famous you are but rather by your ambitions, attitudes and allegiances. Dungy explains the lessons he has learned whether it be from his athletic careers, his teachers or family, or through his journey with God. I liked how this book was written; it wasn't all filled with air, it was to the point. Although I am not all that religious I like how he stresses that you live through God without sounding like he's preaching and how he explains that being successful starts within ones self. Dungy shows that family and faith are most important. Through his coaching career football obviously accounts for most of his time but he still finds the time to be with his family and express his religion. He still has family dinner when possible and uses faith as a coaching technique. But he should recognize that faith and family didn't completely make him who he is, he himself is a large part. I strongly suggest that this book be read mostly because it is positive and motivating.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great Best Seller! I love this book. Very Positive!

It took me a while to purchase this book. I thought it was going to be your typical self-help book. Boy, was I wrong. I love this book. This book is worth the money.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

My favorite book

I am a woman who never played football and I LOVE this book! It is the most inspiriational book I have ever read. I could hardly put the book down. I am so impressed with his desire for excellence, how he never comnpromised his beliefs. He stood strong in a wavering world! What a wonderful gift to a son,daughter - or wife!

This Little Light of Mine

Tony Dungy, former Colts head coach, puts the act in character in his new book "Uncommon." He begins the book with the story of two boys from very different backgrounds who end up in the same place - jail - one via DUI the other by armed robbery. Dungy says these boys served as inspiration for his book, which warns us of a widespread epidemic - lack of character. "Both [boys] followed the wide road and ended up in prison, which tells me that our society today is facing a widespread problem. It's not an inner city problem, or an economic problem or even a religious problem. It's the kind of ideas that our young people are buying into and the pressure to conform that causes them to follow the path of least resistance." He unapologetically admits to covering a heavy subject - integrity - which he examines through the lens of football, personal experience and the Bible. So, while the book is not groundbreaking as far as self-help is concerned, it is a very accessible book for teenage boys or adults who advise young boys. At the heart of Dungy's book is Maya Angelou's sage advice "when someone shows you who they are, believe them." In other words, your actions show the world your true character. Do you do the right thing because someone is watching or because it is the right action. Dungy's thoughts on character, while they are not new, are valuable reminders for any age or era but especially today when reality-TV-show fame and win-at-any-cost mentality fills our society. As far as the audiobook version goes, while it can be interesting to listen to an author read, it also can be awkward at times. Would it kill him to put some life in his voice? For example, when he talks about marriage and how even a Patriot and a Colt fan can make a marriage work. It would have been nice to hear a smile in his voice. In the end, Dungy's book - like the children's hymn says, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine," - simply advises the reader not to hide your integrity in any aspect of your life.

Shaping One's Life into Successful Significance

Uncommon Finding Your Path to Significance By Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker Shaping One's Life into Successful Significance by KitKatDoe 7/9/2011 Tony Dungy's second book, "Uncommon", is a continuance on his teachings of what people, especially young men, need to work on to be successful. Throughout the book, Coach Dungy details traits he has lived and taught that shaped his life. Being a humble man, Coach Dungy wouldn't say these traits made him successful, but in his book, he gives personal experience for each trait, and often refers to his success in football, including his success in coaching the Indianapolis Colts win Super Bowl XLI in 2007. Coach Dungy adds insight into his faith and that the basis for significance must be rooted into a relationship with God. The book is a bit dry in reading in some spots, but is definitely educational in learning to shape one's life into successful significance. This was a book I reviewed for Tyndale House Publishers.

A fan that's not a sports fan

I am not a sports fan and didn't even know who Tony Dungy was, but I picked up this book because of the title. The easy-to-read, conversational style of advice for taking the uncommon road is grounded in biblical principles. While the book seems to target boys or young men, it is applicable to anyone who reads this book. I wrote down notes of things I want to remember to teach and pass on to my kids.

wish i was younger

wish i was younger when i fisrt read this. this man should tour and do seminars for young men everywhere. good read. great gift for graduates.

Dungy Uses His Unique Stance to Deliver an Important Message

"Success is uncommon, therefore not to be enjoyed by common man. I'm looking for uncommon people." Tony Dungy first heard this quote while being addressed by Coach Cal Stoll as a member of the University of Minnesota freshman football team. In Dungy's Uncommon, the concept of being a truly uncommon man is explored from the viewpoint that only Dungy can provide. Through success (first African American coach to win the Super Bowl/ one of three men to win a Super Bowl as a player and a coach), and tragedy (coping with the suicide of his oldest son/ being fired as the head coach of an eventual Super Bowl Champion) Dungy has formed an inspiring wisdom that is stamped onto every page.
Though the underlying theme of each paragraph is based on the book's title, Dungy creates sub-themes that also appear throughout the book. The book is split into seven parts that discuss these themes: "Develop Your Core", "Love Your Family", "Lift Your Friends and Others", "Your Full Potential", "Establish a Mission That Matters", "Choose Influence Over Image", and "Live Your Faith". Using these themes, Dungy discusses what a real man is, how important relationships are, and how truly significant each of us can be in the lives of others.
Personally my favorite theme throughout the book is the importance of establishing a relationship with Christ. Dungy repeatedly allows his testimony of Christ to assist his arguments. For instance, in discussing the role of a husband, Old Testament husbands are used as examples to illustrate that married men should be firm providers, as well as loving partners. Dungy's Christian belief has a large influence on the delivery of his message. He never swears, and he discusses sensitive issues appropriately, making the book suitable for all ages. Dungy's faith is very scripture based, so consequently, scriptures are usually in every chapter. My only disagreement with the author is that he uses a modern English version of the Bible. Personally I felt that such an interpretation of scripture was lacking in substance. However, that is more about scriptural preference than spiritual preference; Dungy stays true to the meaning of each scripture.
Though it's never said, it seems as though the author wrote this book for those that are seeking more value for their life. Dungy does a very good job of discussing the things that will add real significance to one's life. One thing must be said, this is not a football book. The author's football experience is spread throughout the book, but its all in a metaphorical sense, in order to aid arguments on relatively unrelated themes. Those looking for a football book will find something very different in this book. Overall, Uncommon is a refreshing look on life, from the lips of a worthy messenger.

Another Winner for Tony!

This book was outstanding! Factually accurate and moving.

Persuasive Plumb Line

"Character begins with the little things in life." "Character is tested, revealed, and further developed by the decisions we make in the most challenging times." These are two quotes from the book. Deep and meaningful, worthwhile reading, it encourages and inspires me to be a person of character. A question presented to the reader is, "Would you rather be described as successful and famous or as honest, forgiving, faithful, trustworthy, understanding of others, reasonable, thoughtful and personally accountable?" This book has profound insight; Tony Dungy is adept at expressing the need for people to have integrity and values they are willing to stand for and not acquiesce to "society's standard". This is a great read. Favorable: inspiring and encouraging information.

Great Book for Young Men and Young Fathers

Dungy's book outlines the qualities and characteristics of successful fathers who head happy families. My husband and I both read the book and I really liked it. I do wish we would have read it when we were young and just starting a family, but the stories within the book are still meaningful and entertaining at any point in life.

No dancing around the goal here!

Coach Dungy has delivered a very to the point lesson in how God expects us to live. He was lucky enough to have had parents that carried that message to him and I was lucky enough to have read his book and allow him to pass on what he has learned to me. Was it luck or was it God? I think I know. Thanks Coach for being UNCOMMON!!

Real inspirational read!!

I never put much stock into books written by coaches or athletes, regardless of their level of success. But Tony Dungy has a grasp on life that seems to elevate himself above most of his contemporaries. He's a great guy and walks the walk as well as talking the talk. This book should be read by anyone going through a rough time, or even in preparation for one. Read this book, people.